Controversial Ariz. arrest caught on officer's body camera

The officer's camera caught the same incident from a different point of view

By PoliceOne Staff

MESA, Ariz. — A video taken by a bystander Saturday of Mesa police arresting a resisting suspect had witnesses claiming the cops were using excessive force — but police caught the incident on camera as well.

The officer — who was called to the scene by a store owner concerned about the suspect — also caught the altercation with a camera fastened to his eyeglasses.

Related Article

Mesa Police Sgt. Tony Landato told Fox 10 the original bystander video only gives a one-side view without any background.

Police say they were concerned for the safety of other people around that day, because the on-duty officer’s TASER was thrown during the altercation, as was an off-duty officer’s gun.

The suspect in the incident, Matatangi Sentituli Tai, is being held on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, criminal trespass and criminal damage. Both officers suffered minor injuries.

Landato confirmed that the screeching noise heard in the background was a car accident involving the off-duty officer and a woman, and it caused no injuries, according to the article.